Bolt-On Performance Parts Guide - Make Gains

Ways To Make Your Car Go Faster, Stop Shorter & Handle Better

These days it has become easier than ever to generate good reliable horsepower. And if you're looking to crest the 500hp marker, then there really isn't a need to tear an engine down to the bare bones. That is, unless you are searching for something far grander and are prepared to lay down some hefty cash. First, what's a bolt-on? It's subjective. While many will argue that anything can be considered a bolt-on, we say the true defining feature of a bolt-on is it lets you get in and get out. This minimizes downtime and gets you out on the road and track faster with the added benefits of positive results. Moreover, when you take into account the bang-for-the-buck factor and the install-in-no-time attitude, it makes sense to consider a simple bolt-on.

Much like you, we're always in the mood for finding out what works. Besides, when you are guaranteed to pick up some power or some extra points on the skid pad with these bolt-on items, they are a shoe-in. We've done our homework and are presenting to you some of the finer bolt-on items that will increase power, won't break the bank, and will satiate your performance appetite. We compiled a list of the more popular and available off-the-shelf, bolt-on components that most anyone can handle and covered the gamut on everything from carburetor spacers to brakes to cylinder head swaps. Not only do we include the before and after numbers, but we also detail the price and where to pick one up for yourself. Basically, we did all the hard work for you, so you don't have to. If nothing else, our guide will give you an idea of what gains you can expect. Read on. You may find something you can bolt on this weekend and enjoy the same day.

Quick NotesWhat we didGenerated a list of the more popular bolt-on items

Bottom lineSpent a couple days on the dyno to show you that the proof is in the numbers

The TestWe threw out the old stamped steel rockers and replaced them with a set of Comp gold roller rockers. This would allow the 350 with the Weiand supercharger to take full advantage of all that extra air. We also swapped out the old 15/8-inch headers for 13/4-inch headers and threw it on Vaca Performance's chassis dyno for the results.

The TestMore often than not, a spacer will do the trick and add power-and we proved it. The 9.8:1 iron-headed 396 big-block was topped off with a performer Edelbrock intake and a Holley 650-cfm carburetor. It made good, reliable power in almost stock trim on the engine dyno but made more with the spacer added.

The TestSwapped out Holley's 850-cfm carburetor for a heavier-breathing 1,050-cfm on (both HP series) on a 378ci race small-block. It was obvious that the increased cfm and added availability of fuel bumped up power and also increased torque across the board on the Superflow engine dyno.

The TestZ06 Corvette with FAST intake manifold, cold air intake, and throttle body with stock headers and exhaust. We hooked up HP Tuner's newest software to correct fuel and air mapping and ran the car on Westech Performance's chassis dyno.

The TestA 355 ci test mule shortblock with GM Vortec heads making around 10.1:1 compression was swapped for AFR's 195 Eliminator Street heads. The new lungs paired with a Thumpr' cam dramatically improved air flow which is where the dramatic increase in power came from.

The TestWe swapped out nitrous cams for a more aggressive 'stick from Comp. The new cam entered the 400ci Dart short-block with Dart 215 Pro 1 heads, a Dart single-plane manifold, and a Holley 830-cfm carburetor on top. During the run, a 125 shot of nitrous was sprayed on Westech's engine dyno.

The TestMost often, a larger set of headers will increase flow and scavenge the exhaust more efficiently. The 540ci 10.5:1 big-block tested went from 13/4-inch headers with an 18-inch collector to a 2-inch Hooker Super Comp header with the same 18-inch collector. With a more "open" exhaust, power increased.

The TestWe swapped the carbureted setup on this LS1 with SLP cylinder heads and stock rockers to a more efficient FAST system. We also threw an MSD ignition on top with a 90mm throttle body and 55 lb/hr injectors.

The TestA '69 Chevy Nova was outfitted with CPP's Big Brake Kit. Out went the four-way drums in favor of a four-wheel disc set, including 13-inch discs in the front with 12-inch discs in the rear. The calipers were also swapped with new lines.

The TestEdelbrock's been at it on the dyno with there new intake manifold and 90mm throttle body for the LS1. Compared with the stock LS6 intake on the company's 5.7L LS1 Corvette Z06 engine, the Edelbrock combo allowed massive amounts of air with the larger plenums and fuel with the throttle body to enter the engine.